Trouser Shoe Clasping Apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for securing or holding trousers to shoes or other shoe wear.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/790,159 titled “Trouser Shoe Clasp”, filed on Apr. 7, 2006, and the specification of that application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for holding trousers to shoe wear, specifically a clasp or pin to fasten the bottom of trousers to shoes.

2. Description of Related Art

Note that the following discussion refers to a number of publications by author(s) and year of publication, and that due to recent publication dates certain publications are not to be considered as prior art vis-a-vis the present invention. Discussion of such publications herein is given for more complete background and is not to be construed as an admission that such publications are prior art for patentability determination purposes.

Some trouser fashions result in dragging or excessively unsecured bottoms of trousers. For example, some trouser styles use low and/or loose leg bottoms such that there is a need to secure the trouser bottoms to, for example, shoes. Otherwise, the bottom of the pants or trousers tends to drag and get damaged as a result of walking or standing.

Several approaches have been undertaken to remedy this or similar problems with loose or low trouser styles. For example, U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0026990 A1 (by Carter) utilizes a decorative multi clasp and chain mechanism. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,618,852 (to Bunges) utilizes a relatively large, multi-angled device. These devices are, however, rather complicated in design thus increasing manufacturing and other costs. The present invention, while providing a decorative solution to the aforementioned problems with loose or low pant styles, is distinguishable in that the securing of the trousers to shoe wear is simplified, even if multi-component parts (such as the attachment mechanisms, receptors, and/or release mechanisms discussed below are utilized).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for securing or holding trousers to shoes or other shoe wear.

Thus, an embodiment of the present invention provides a clasp apparatus for securing trousers to shoe wear, said clasp comprising a main body having at least one attachment mechanism for proximately securing the main body to the shoe wear. The attachment mechanism may comprise protrusions. The attachment mechanism may comprise piercers. The attachment mechanism may comprise a clip disposed within a receptor component. In another embodiment, the clasp apparatus may be integral to the shoe wear.

Another embodiment comprises a clasp and shoe combination for securing trousers to shoe wear, said clasp comprising a main body having at least one mechanism for proximately securing the main body to a shoe wear and a receptor component disposed in the shoe wear for acceptance of the attachment mechanism to secure the trousers to the shoe wear. The attachment mechanism may comprise a clip. The clasp and shoe combination may further comprise a release mechanism for securing and releasing the clasp from the receptor component.

An object of the present invention is to provide an effective method for securing trousers to shoe wear while providing flexibility with regard to the complexity and/or cost of manufacturing.

An advantage of the present invention is that the flexibility in manufacturing allows for a multitude of stylistic and design options for the benefit of the user.

Other objects, advantages and novel features, and further scope of applicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into, and form a part of, the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 a is a top view of a clasp of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1 c is a front view of a face of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1 d is a front view of another face of an embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 a is a side view of an embodiment showing a spring clip;

FIG. 2 b is a side view of an embodiment of a sleeve for the clip shown in FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 a is a side view of an embodiment using a clip with protrusion;

FIG. 3 b is a side view of an embodiment of a sleeve for use with the clip of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3 c is a top view of the clasp embodiment shown in FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3 d is a top view of the sleeve embodiment shown in FIG. 3 b;

FIG. 3 e is a front view of the sleeve embodiment shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 a is a rear view of a shoe with receptor;

FIG. 4 b is a rear view of a shoe with trouser and clasp;

FIG. 4 c is a side view of a clasp disposable in the receptor component shown in FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 5 a is a bottom view of an embodiment showing a shoe with release mechanism;

FIG. 5 b is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5 c is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b;

FIG. 6 a is a side view of an embodiment showing a shoe with integral clasp; and

FIG. 6 b is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for securing the bottom of trouser legs to shoes or other shoe wear. As used herein, the terms “a” and “an” mean one or more. As used herein, the term “proximate” means “situated close to” and/or “next to or nearest the point of attachment or origin, a central point, or the point of view.” Thus, the non-limiting embodiments of the present invention comprise a pin or clasp apparatus (hereinafter, “clasp”) that secures trousers to shoes. Such attachment is understood herein to occur from the rear of the bottom of a trouser or pants to the sole or sole area of a shoe. Such attachment is also understood to bring or hold the main body of the clasp proximate to the shoe so that it comes to rest substantially flat against the shoe.

Thus, in the non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, the clasp apparatus comprises a clasp with attachment mechanisms such as, but not limited to, piercing protrusions or clips that preferably, but need not, penetrate a shoe by either piercing the shoe or by being inserted into a receiving component (exemplified, but not limited to, a sleeve) in the shoe. Once secured to the shoe, the main body of the clasp thus lies proximate to the shoe. The fabric of the trousers can either be tucked into a space (e.g. space 620 shown in FIG. 6 b) between the clasp and the shoe (or between the clasp and the receiving component (e.g., sleeve) it such is provided) or can be secured by piercing the fabric of the trousers prior inserting the piercing protrusions into the shoe. Also within the scope of the invention is the use of a fastener component (not shown) to secure the trousers to the clasp, such as, but not limited to, a cord or other fastener known in the art.

Referring to the figures, FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, and 1 d show clasp 100 comprising main body (or “body”) 110 and attachment mechanisms (i.e., piercers) 112. Face 114 of body 110 may comprise any geometry, preferably a decorative geometry such as that shown in FIG. 1 c wherein precious stones 200 are disposed and FIG. 1 d where fanciful lettering is reproduced. Spacers 220 may be provided as well. Mini-spacers 113 may also be provided, and these may be located on spacers 220.

Another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 2 a-2 b shows clasp 200 with body 210 and attachment mechanism, such as clip 212. Clip 212 inserts into receiving component (i.e., latch) 216 of sleeve body (preferably comprising a metal) 218. Clip 212 is preferably a spring-type clip.

FIGS. 3 a-3 e, show another embodiment comprising clasp 300 body 310, attachment mechanism clip 312, sleeve body 318 and receiving component (i.e., latch) 316. Clip 312 comprises protrusions 322 which insert into hollows 326 of latch 316.

The attachment mechanisms of the clasp (e.g., clasp 400 in FIG. 4 c) exemplified above may be inserted through the trouser fabric 700 and into shoe 490 (shown in FIG. 4 b) or into a sleeve body such as sleeve body 218 or 318 (or other receptor component as referenced herein) that can be attached or disposed in shoe 490 (as, for example, sleeve body 318 is disposed in shoe 490 shown in FIG. 4 a) via any means known in the art. Alternatively, the receptor components for receiving attachment mechanisms such as clips 212 and 312 are integral with shoe 490 such that, for example, shoe 490, the clasp, and the sleeve body/receptor component are fabricated as one assembly unit.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 a-5 c, release mechanism 580 is disposed in shoe 590 to secure and/or release attachment means 520 of clasp 500 from receptor component 530. A non-limiting example utilizes release buttons 540, although any means known in the art may be utilized to same effect.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 a-6 b, clasp 600 is integral to sole 610 of shoe 690 or shoe 690 itself. Thus, shoe 690 comprises clasp 600. In this embodiment, clasp 600 may be attached by any means known in the art including, but not limited to, unitary fabrication techniques, the use of adhesives, etc.

Thus, the present invention provides a decorative and fashionable protection for trousers, such as “baggie” pants, against dragging while the user is walking.

The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples.

Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference. 

1. A clasp apparatus for securing trousers to shoe wear, said clasp comprising a main body having at least one attachment mechanism for proximately securing said main body to the shoe wear.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said attachment mechanism comprises protrusions.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said attachment mechanism comprises piercers.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a clip disposed within a receptor component.
 5. The clasp apparatus of claim 1 wherein said clasp apparatus is integral to said shoe wear.
 6. A clasp and shoe combination for securing trousers to shoe wear, said clasp comprising: a main body having at least one mechanism for proximately securing said main body to a shoe wear; and a receptor component disposed in said shoe wear for acceptance of said attachment mechanism to secure the trousers to the shoe wear.
 7. The combination of claim 6 wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a clip.
 8. The clasp and shoe combination of claim 6 further comprising a release mechanism. 